FAIRFAX NAACP STATEMENT ON ASSAULT AT IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
FAIRFAX, Va. –
The Fairfax County NAACP is closely monitoring the situation at Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, Va. We would like to know what the school's existing policy is on racism and bullying. We also expect the administration to take immediate disciplinary action against the students in question.
Black students are too often the victims of racial bullying that is ignored or handled improperly. Amari Allen alleges she was bullied since the beginning of the school year without any action being taken. According to Amari’s account, the bullying escalated to a brutal, racist assault on a young girl by group of boys who previously harassed her without consequences.
Immanuel Christian School must stand up for its students and immediately institute a zero tolerance policy for racism, discrimination, and harassment, especially when it rises to the level of assault.
In many ways, Fairfax County is a progressive and welcoming place to live. However, in the shadow of schools, highways, and institutions named after slavers, people of color have been targeted for discrimination and harassment far too often. The Fairfax NAACP is already investigating at least two alleged racist incidents at Herndon Middle School where the administration did not follow the district’s bullying policy.
In a community as diverse as ours, children should be able to attend school without the fear of racist bullying, and focus on their education. Students must also have confidence that school administrators—public or private—will enforce their policies to protect them. Amari Allen, a straight A student and violinist, should be able to return to the school she loves tomorrow with the support of her fellow students, teachers, and faculty
